Charlton 2 Plymouth 0

Charlton registered only their second win in 22 Coca-Cola Championship games to move within seven points of safety on Saturday.

Manager Phil Parkinson was jubilant afterwards as his players gave themselves a fighting chance of avoiding the drop.

Not even Nicky Bailey's missed penalty at a crucial time in the game could disrupt the Addicks on their way to a second successive home win.

Parkinson said: "The attitude of the players at the start of the second half, when, in the past we have appeared vulnerable at that stage, was first class because they showed they were not going to let the lead slip.

"I've been on about the need for mental strength all season and the players showed today that they had it in abundance.

"Nicky Bailey's performance epitomised what we were all about as a side today because he never let his head drop after missing the penalty and came back to score the second goal.

"They are all must-win games for us between now and the end of the season."

Transfer-listed Chris Dickson produced a dynamic performance for the Addicks and took a standing ovation from supporters when he came off in the 84th minute.

"He's got all the confidence in the world and he's showing that in a side which has struggled," Parkinson added.

"What we must do now is follow up that level of performance when we go to Barnsley next week."

The Addicks took the lead on 32 minutes when Matthew Spring and Tom Soares's worked a short-corner routine with a pass that fell to Therry Racon who posted his contender for goal-of-the-season with a stunning 25-yard drive.

When Luke Summerfield handled in the 49th minute, Bailey stepped up for the resulting penalty only to see Argyle goalkeeper Romain Larrieu produced a superb save.

But Bailey would not be denied and in the 68th minute made amends with a cool finish from Tresor Kandol's pass.

Parkinson afterwards confirmed that he was negotiating with Stoke City to keep midfielder Tom Soares for another month

Addicks: Elliot, Murty, Ward, Hudson, Youga, Soares, Racon, Spring, Bailey, Dickson (Burton 84), Kandol. Subs: Randolph, Shelvey, Holland, Sam.

Attendance: 21,876.